Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a nozzle cap defining an internal cavity; an antenna positioned at least partially external to the internal cavity; and the antenna covered with a non-metallic material. An infrastructure monitoring assembly includes a nozzle cap defining a first end and a second end, the first end defining a threaded bore configured to mount on a nozzle of a fire hydrant; a cover coupled to the nozzle cap opposite from the first end; an enclosure positioned at least partially between the cover and the first end, the enclosure at least partially defining a cavity; a monitoring device positioned within the cavity; and an antenna positioned between the cover and the first end of the nozzle cap, the antenna connected in electrical communication with the monitoring device, the antenna covered by a non-metallic material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,849,322 on Dec. 26, 2017, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, which issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,861,848 on Jan. 9, 2018, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,931,505 on Jan. 13, 2015, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/355,468 filed Jun. 16, 2010, all ofwhich are hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

FIELD

The disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and methods related tomonitoring and controlling an infrastructure such as, but not limitedto, the supply and use of commercial, industrial or residential water,gas and/or electric utilities, and, in particular, to devices, methods,and systems for monitoring and controlling a municipality and alerting auser to potential faults and actions required.

BACKGROUND

Municipalities administer and/or outsource numerous utility and safetysystems within each municipality. Such systems are usually complexinfrastructures and include but are not limited to water distribution,gas distribution, electricity distribution, waste management, trafficcontrol, fire departments, police departments, and emergency responsedepartments. Each of these systems needs to be monitored for use(authorized or unauthorized), faults, tampering, events, interruptionsor blockages, leaks, contamination, and/or other issues.

To obtain an understanding of the state of any one system, or forordinary use, billing or repair purposes, personnel must typically besent into the municipality to check for problems within the systemmanually. This process is slow, is labor-intensive, and can lead tooverlooked problems. Furthermore, preferred aspects of the system may beevaluated irregularly or infrequently, thereby allowing a problem to gounchecked for long periods of time. By way of example, a leak in a watermain may cost a water company a significant amount of money in lostwater, energy usage, and chemical treatment, particularly if the leak isnot discovered for a relatively long period of time. Furthermore, a leakcan lead to underground structural erosion. Interference with a systemmay go unnoticed unless it is reported to a central location.

Another problem and disadvantage associated with current systems is thelack of property rights sufficient to maintain a network of monitors anddevice controllers capable of creating a transmission infrastructurethat can adapt to multiple monitors and controllers and form aninformation network for providing information about the system to theutility monitoring the network. For example, some networks require thatnew poles or towers be erected for placement of the communicationdevices. Municipalities may have to rent space on a utility company'spoles for placement of such devices.

Furthermore, an issue in one system may cause an issue in anothersystem. For example, a fire reported to the fire department may requirethe gas company to turn off gas flow to the vicinity of the fire and mayrequire the water company to redirect water or additional water pressureto the vicinity. However, many current systems are not interoperable.

It is, therefore, desirable to have a single system that can monitordifferent aspects of at least one municipality system continuously andcommunicate with several entities at the same time.

SUMMARY

The disclosed methods, systems, and devices overcome the problems anddisadvantages associated with current strategies and systems andprovides new systems and methods of monitoring municipalityinfrastructure.

One embodiment is directed to an infrastructure monitoring system. Thesystem includes an operations center and two or more communicationsdevices communicatively coupled to the operations center. At least onecommunications device of the plurality of communications devices iscoupled to a component of the infrastructure, and at least twocommunications devices are monitoring devices. The first monitoringdevice monitors a first aspect or location of the infrastructure and thesecond monitoring device monitors a second aspect or location of theinfrastructure.

In one embodiment each monitoring device includes at least one sensorsensing at least one condition within the infrastructure, at least onedata storage device storing data sensed by the at least one sensor, atleast one transceiver device adapted to transmit and receive data, andat least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one sensor,data storage device, and transceiver device.

In one embodiment, the operations center and the plurality ofcommunications devices are wirelessly communicatively coupled. At leastone communications device is an output device. The output deviceincludes a transceiver device adapted to receive or to transmit data, atleast one output port, and a processor communicatively coupled to atleast one of the transceiver device and at least one output port.

In one embodiment, the operations center and at least one output deviceare wirelessly communicatively coupled. Each communications device isadapted to receive transmissions for a second communications device andto retransmit the transmission to the second communications device. Eachcommunications device is adapted to receive transmissions for theoperations center and to retransmit the transmission to the operationscenter.

In one embodiment, at least one output device is coupled to at least oneof an actuator control device, an alarm, a Radio-FrequencyIdentification device and a tamper prevention device.

In one embodiment, a monitoring device and an output device arecontained within the same unit. The monitoring device and the outputdevice share at least one of a power source, a transceiver device, and aprocessor.

The infrastructure can be at least one of a water distribution system,an electricity distribution system, a gas distribution system, a trafficcontrol system, and an emergency response system. The system can monitorfor at least one of use of gas, use of water, use of electricity,tampering, leaks, GPS location, proximity, tilt, smoke, temperature,rust, corrosion, fluid flow, pressure, water quality, air quality,contamination, radiation, pH, infrastructure status, and motion.

In one embodiment, the system produces an alert when at least onemonitoring device registers an event. In one embodiment, at least onemonitoring device is coupled to a visual or acoustical device. Theoperations center may include multiple operations centers. Eachoperations center is uniquely located. The operations center can monitora plurality of infrastructures concurrently.

The plurality of infrastructures are selected from the group consistingof water systems, electrical systems, gas systems, emergency responsesystems, traffic control systems, and combinations thereof. A componentof the infrastructure is one of a fire hydrant, a utility meter, amanhole cover, a utility pole, a valve, a pipe, a traffic light, watertower, water tank, valve box, valve box cover, meter box, meter boxcover, and a smoke detector. In various embodiments where the componentof the infrastructure is a fire hydrant, the communications devicecoupled to the fire hydrant is a repeater. At least one portion of thefire hydrant can be comprised of a material that does not interfere withthe communications of the communications device. Moreover, thecommunications device coupled to the fire hydrant may be positionedwithin one of a nozzle cap, a pumper nozzle, a hose nozzle, a fire truckhookup, and a bonnet.

Another embodiment is directed to another infrastructure monitoringsystem. The system includes an operations center and a plurality ofcommunications devices communicatively coupled to the operations center.At least one communications device of the plurality of communicationsdevices is coupled to a fire hydrant, a valve, a valve box, a valve boxcover, a meter, a meter box, a meter box cover, a water tower, a watertank, a pumper nozzle, a hose nozzle, or a manhole cover.

In one embodiment, the communications device coupled to the fire hydrantis one of a monitoring device, an output device, and a repeater. Atleast one portion of the fire hydrant is comprised of a material thatdoes not interfere with the communications. In one embodiment, thecommunications device coupled to the fire hydrant is positioned withinone of the nozzle cap, the pumper nozzle, the hose nozzle, the firetruck hookup, and the bonnet.

Another embodiment is directed to a fire hydrant. The fire hydrantincludes a bonnet and a communications device coupled to the bonnet. Thecommunications device is an element of an infrastructure monitoringsystem.

Also disclosed is an infrastructure monitoring assembly comprising anozzle cap defining an internal cavity; an antenna positioned at leastpartially external to the internal cavity; and the antenna covered witha non-metallic material.

Also disclosed is an infrastructure monitoring assembly comprising anozzle cap defining a first end and a second end, the first end defininga threaded bore configured to mount on a nozzle of a fire hydrant; acover coupled to the nozzle cap opposite from the first end; anenclosure positioned at least partially between the cover and the firstend, the enclosure at least partially defining a cavity; a monitoringdevice positioned within the cavity; and an antenna positioned betweenthe cover and the first end of the nozzle cap, the antenna connected inelectrical communication with the monitoring device, the antenna coveredby a non-metallic material.

Also disclosed is an infrastructure monitoring assembly comprising anozzle cap defining a first nozzle cap end and a second nozzle cap end,the first nozzle cap end defining a threaded bore configured to mount ona nozzle of a fire hydrant, the second nozzle cap end defining an nut;an enclosure defining a first enclosure end and a second enclosure end,the first enclosure end coupled to the nozzle cap between the firstnozzle cap end and the second nozzle cap end, the enclosure defining acavity and a bore extending to the cavity; a monitoring devicepositioned within the cavity; and an antenna positioned at leastpartially external to the cavity, the antenna connected in electricalcommunication with the monitoring device through the bore, the antennacovered by a non-metallic material.

Other embodiments and advantages are set forth in part in thedescription, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from thisdescription, or may be learned from practice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures shown and described in greater detail are provided by way ofexample only.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of one embodiment of the disclosed system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of one embodiment of a monitoring device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of one embodiment of a control device.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of one embodiment of a device of thedisclosure as housed within a fire hydrant.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a device of the disclosure attached toa fire hydrant

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insulation devicefor sealing the bonnet of the fire hydrant from the water within thefire hydrant.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of one embodiment of an insulation deviceand bonnet.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a nozzle cap forattachment to a fire hydrant.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of one embodiment of the nozzle cap of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6C is a sectional view of one embodiment of the nozzle cap of FIG.6A.

DESCRIPTION

As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provideexemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and devices.Features may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore,there is no intent that specific structural and functional detailsshould be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

A problem in the art capable of being solved by the embodimentsdisclosed is monitoring and maintaining an infrastructure. It has beendiscovered that monitoring devices with one or two way communicationabilities can be used to detect faults in the municipality's systems andprovide on-demand, real time, or near real time device status,maintenance, and control over the systems.

A network of monitoring devices is capable of providing a systemadministrator with a full picture of the current state of the system.The network includes an array of different monitoring devices eachcapable of sensing at least one condition. The monitoring devices may becapable of sending data to and of receiving data from at least oneoperations center. Communication from the remote monitoring device maybe directed to a central monitoring facility, to one of a number ofregional monitoring centers, to a user, and/or to a research facility.Furthermore, the system includes at least one control device. Eachcontrol device is adapted to control a different aspect of the system.The control devices may be part of the monitoring devices or may beseparate units. Communication is over the Internet, but may be over aprivate network, a local area network, or a wide area network. Thecommunication involves a wireless component, such as from the remotemonitoring device and/or control device to a regional monitoringfacility or to distributed monitors. Also, the communications aresecured or encrypted such that the communications system cannot bemonitored by another unknown party. Access to the system is grantedthrough user names and passwords, although additional and/or alternateencryption methods can be employed.

One embodiment is directed to water infrastructure systems. In suchsystems, monitoring devices can be located throughout the system, forexample, as attachments to component parts, for feedback to a networkthat can provide real-time information to the utility operating thenetwork. The network operators can use the information transmitted toactivate controlling devices on the network, or to dispatch repair orother services as directed by the information provided by the network.For example, if water pressure monitors on a water meter indicate avariance between locations, a water leak can be reported using thenetwork, and controlling devices can divert water. Pressure meters canbe attached to fire hydrants to monitor and report pressure lossesthroughout the system, providing real-time information to benefit theusers of the fire hydrants (fire departments who need to be assured ofadequate pressure), the users of the system (water consumers who will beaffected by lower pressure), and the operators of the system (who sufferasset loss as a result of lack of real-time information about losses).

FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 for monitoring, controlling, andcommunicating with at least one monitoring device 110 and/or at leastone control device 111. System 100 includes an operations center 105 incommunication with at least one monitoring device 110 and/or one controldevice 111. In the preferred embodiment, there is bi-directionalcommunication between operations center 105 and devices 110 and 111.Communications can be simplex or duplex. Communication can occur overany communications network 115 known in the art, including but notlimited to wired networks, wireless networks, Zigbee networks, Bluetoothnetworks, Z-wave networks, WiFi networks, WiMax networks, RF networks,local area networks (LAN), internet networks, wide area networks (WAN),cellular telephone network, hardwired telephone networks, 900 MHzwireless networks, and satellite networks. In one embodiment, thenetwork is a fixed network. For example, the fixed network can be a meshnetwork or a star network. Additionally, devices 110 and 111 andoperations center 105 can be in direct communication or can communicatethrough an intermediary device, such as a relay, a repeater, a gateway,or other device capable of receiving and retransmitting a message.

Each monitoring device 110 monitors at least one aspect of theinfrastructure. The monitored aspect can be one or more of thecomponents of the infrastructure (e.g. pipe conditions, valveconditions, fire hydrant conditions, service line conditions, meterconditions, power line conditions, and battery conditions), commodityconditions (e.g. fluid or gas flow, fluid or gas pressure, fluid or gastemperature, and fluid or gas contaminants), or combinations thereof.Additionally, each monitoring device 110 can be self monitoring. Forexample the monitoring devices 110 determine if there is a loss ofcommunication, low battery levels, and/or internal damage (e.g. shortcircuits due to water damage). Additionally, each monitoring device 110can be structurally stable (e.g. fixed to a valve, pipe, utility pole, ahydrant, a valve box, a valve box cover, a meter, a meter box, a meterbox cover, a water tower, a water tank, a pumper nozzle, a hose nozzle,or an manhole cover) or movable (e.g. allowed to move with or within theflow of water or gas in the pipes).

For example, a monitoring device 110 or 111 can be coupled to a firehydrant 405, a seen in FIG. 4B. The monitoring device 110 or 111 can belocated within a nozzle cap 600 (i.e. in the pumper nozzle, the hosenozzle, or in the fire truck hook up), within a body of the firehydrant, within a bonnet, attached to an outside of the fire hydrant, orat another location on or within the fire hydrant. A housing for themonitoring device 110 or 111 is made of plastic, nylon, other syntheticor natural materials, or any other material that does not blocktransmissions to and from the monitoring device 110 or 111. For example,as shown in FIG. 4A, the fire hydrant bonnet 400 can contain amonitoring device 110 and a waterproof container 420 for the monitoringdevice 110. In some embodiments the fire hydrant bonnet 400 can alsocontain a power source 425. In another example, as shown in FIG. 4B, themonitoring device 110 can be coupled to the outside of a fire hydrant405. In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the bonnet 500 ofa fire hydrant 505 can be isolated from the flow of water within thefire hydrant 505. For example, there can be a plastic, metal, or othermaterial disc 530 that seals off a portion of the fire hydrant 505 toprevent water from reaching the interior regions of the bonnet 500.

In another embodiment, a monitoring device 110 or control device 111 ispositioned within a nozzle cap 600 of a fire hydrant. A fire hydrantnozzle cap 600 is a device attached to an outlet nozzle and covers anozzle opening. The nozzle cap 600 is furnished with a nut 605 or otherdevice to permit the application of force to firmly attach the nozzlecap 600 to or to remove it from the outlet nozzle. FIG. 6A depicts anisometric view of an embodiment of the nozzle cap 600. In oneembodiment, nozzle cap 600 is made of a composite, plastic, nylon, othersynthetic or natural materials, or any other material that does notblock transmissions to and from the monitoring device 110 or controldevice 111. The material has the same fading characteristics of thepaint used on the exterior of the fire hydrant. For example, thematerial can have the same resistance to water, UV rays, corrosion,oxidation, or other causes of fading. Thereby, the paint and the nozzlecap 600 appear to be of the same material.

FIGS. 6B and 6C depict cutaway views of an embodiment of the nozzle cap600. The nozzle cap 600 has an enclosure 610 which creates a cavity intowhich monitoring device 110 or control device 111 may be located. Thecavity is enclosed by a cover 615. The enclosure 610 and cover 615create a water tight seal able to withstand water pressures in excess of400 psi. In various embodiments, other pressures may be utilized.Additionally, in one embodiment, nozzle cap 600 has an antenna cover620. Antenna cover 620 can be made of the same material as nozzle cap600 or of a different material. The location of the antenna is kept awayfrom metal to achieve greater efficiency.

Nozzle hydrant threading 625 is provided as a connection means betweenthe nozzle cap 600 and the fire hydrant. The nozzle cap 600 alsoincludes enclosure threading 630 as a connection means for the enclosure610 to connect to the nozzle cap 600. The enclosure 610 also includesconnection threading 640 designed to mate with the enclosure threading630. An antenna 650 is shown.

Each node in the network 115 detects errors in transmissions. Errordetection can use cyclic redundancy codes using a table based on adefined polynomial or another method of error detection. In alternativeembodiments, transmissions can be rerouted if the primary route isblocked or otherwise unavailable. Furthermore, devices 110 and 111 canconfirm receipt of a message, e.g. via a hand shake protocol. Ininstances where confirmation is not received, the message can be resentalong the same route or rerouted.

In various embodiments, each monitoring device 110 and each controldevice 111 is assigned a unique identifier. The unique identifier can berelated to the devices' geographical locations, street addresses, orderof installation, or any other method of identifying the devices 110,111.Furthermore, different types of devices 110 and 111 can have uniqueidentifiers that include keys that are unique to that type of device.For example, the identifier for all water meters may begin with a WM,while the identifier for all leak detectors may begin with an LD. Eachcommunication to and from a monitoring device 110 and control device 111may include the unique identifier so that the message is received by thecorrect monitoring device 110 or control device 111, or so thatoperations center 105 can determine from where the message was sent.

Each monitoring device 110 and each control device 111 can beretrofitted to an existing system 100 or device 110,111, can be coupledto a new system 100 or device 110,111, or can be integrated into a newsystem 100 or device 110,111. For example, the system 100 can beconnected to, work with, or work independently of a Supervisory Controland Data Acquisition (SCADA) network. In one embodiment, each monitoringdevice 110 and each control device 111 has a set of adapters tofacilitate coupling the monitoring device 110 or control device 111 to anew or existing system 100 or device 110,111.

In one embodiment, system 100 is divided into sectors with each sectorhaving at least one monitoring device 110 and/or at least one controldevice 111. Each sector can communicate directly with operations center105 or each sector can have at least one intermediary communicationsdevice that is in communication with the monitoring device 110 and/orcontrol device 111 and operations center 105. In one embodiment, thesectors are divided up by geographical location. For example, all of thedevices in one neighborhood can be in a single sector and there is onesector for each neighborhood. In one embodiment, one intermediarycommunications device can service multiple sectors.

In alternative embodiments, each monitoring device 110 and/or controldevice 111 can communicate with adjacent monitoring devices 110 and/orcontrol devices 111. In such embodiments, each monitoring device 110and/or control device 111 can act as a transceiver or relay by receivingmessages intended for another device 110,111 or for the operationscenter 105 and forwarding the message. In embodiments where the system100 is divided into sectors, monitoring devices 110 and control devices111 can communicate only within their sector. In other embodiments,monitoring device 110 and control device 111 can communicate withdevices 110,111 in other sectors. Each monitoring device 110, controldevice 111, and/or the operations center 105 may be able to determine ifa transmitted message was received by the intended device 110,111 and,if not, may be able to reroute the message until the message is properlyreceived. Additionally, relay devices can be implemented in the systemto further extend the range of communications. For example, relaydevices can be placed on utility poles, on municipal buildings, withinfire hydrants, and/or under manhole covers. In alternative embodiments,devices 110 and 111 communicate over a mesh network. In the meshnetwork, devices 110 and 111 can communicate with other devices 110 and111 within the mesh network. Operations center 105 can set specifiedcommunications pathways derived from routing tables.

Operations center 105 can be located at a municipality office, a privateor public company, a fire station, a police station, or any other entitythat monitors operations center 105. In other embodiments, operationscenter 105 can be remotely hosted and accessible by the Internet. Insuch embodiments, operations center 105 can take advantage of cloudcomputing (e.g. a network of remotely hosted computers, servers, anddata storage devices). Compared to non-remotely hosted computernetworks, cloud computing can increase ease of use, increase access,increase security, decrease costs, be custom tailored, and provide anunrestricted expansion of storage space. Additionally, in variousembodiments, there is a plurality of operations centers 105. One or moreoperations centers 105 can be located at different entities and eachoperations center 105 can monitor a different aspect of system 100. Forexample, in embodiments where one monitoring device 110 monitors waterusage and another monitors gas leaks, the water usage aspect can bemonitored by a water utility company and the gas leaks can be monitoredby the gas utility company and/or the fire department. In someembodiments, there are redundant operations centers 105, where at leasttwo operations centers 105 monitor the same aspect of system 100.Operations center 105 can send transmissions to update the firmware ofdevices 110 and 111.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a monitoring device unit 200. Monitoring deviceunit 200 includes a processor 205. Processor 205 is coupled to at leastone input port 210 for receiving data from sensors 215. Processor 205 isalso coupled to a transceiver 220 for sending and receiving signals.Processor 205 is coupled to a data storage unit 230. Data storage unit230 can hold a predetermined amount of data received from the sensors215. For example, data storage unit 230 can hold data for apredetermined amount of time (e.g. one day, one week, or one month), canhold a predetermined number of readings (e.g. 10 readings, 100 readings,1000 readings), or can hold data until directed to purge the data by theoperations center 105. Additionally, data storage unit 230 can holdinstructions for processor 205 to execute upon prompting from theoperations center 105. Processor 205 compiles at least some of the datastored in data storage unit 230 for transmitting to the operationscenter 105.

Each monitoring device unit 200 may collect data and/or transmit datacontinuously, at specific intervals, or randomly. In embodiments wherethe monitoring device unit 200 collects and transmits data in anon-continuous configuration, monitoring device unit 200 may turn off orreduce power consumption during the non-data collecting periods to saveenergy. Processor 205 is coupled to a power source 235. Power source 235can be a unit capable of powering processor 205 and devices attached toprocessor 205. For example, power source 235 can be a battery, solarpanel array, wind turbine, water turbine, electrical lines, orcombinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, there is also a backuppower source, such as a battery. The power may derive from the operationof the system 100.

In one embodiment, processor 205 is coupled to at least one sensor 215that monitors at least one condition associated with the monitoringdevice. Sensors 215 can determine the status of a device. Sensors 215can be directly wired to processor 205 or can use wireless communicationto send and receive signals from processor 205. Sensors 215 can bepositioned within the monitoring device or be external to the monitoringdevice. In alternative embodiments, sensors 215 are positioned remotefrom the monitoring device. For example a sensor can be positioned in afire hydrant, on a nearby building, or on a utility pole. In theembodiments in which sensors 215 and processor 205 communicatewirelessly, the same communications protocol can be used in thesensor/processor communication as in the processor/operations centercommunication, or different communications protocols can be used in thesensor/processor communication from in the processor/control centercommunication. For example, the sensor/processor communications can useRF protocols while the processor/control center communications can beover a wired network.

In one embodiment, sensor 215 is a use monitor. In such embodiment, theuse monitor records the amount of water, gas, electricity, or othercommodity that is used by a customer over a specified period of time.The use monitor can continuously record the amount of the commodity usedor the use monitor can provide a signal to processor 205 that thecommodity is in use. Processor 205 can transmit a signal to theoperations control to alert the operations center 105 that themonitoring device 110 is being used and/or how much of the commodity isflowing through the sensor 215. The operations center 105 can request areading from the use monitor on demand. The processor 205 or theoperations center 105 can determine based on the use, if there isunauthorized use of the commodity. Upon detection of unauthorized use,at least one of processor 205 or the operations center 105 can generatean alarm that there is unauthorized use. For example, in embodimentswhere the use monitor is coupled to a fire hydrant 405, if the usemonitor indicates that the fire hydrant 405 is in use, however no fireis reported, the operations center 105 can disseminate an alert thatthere is potential misuse of the fire hydrant 405.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a tamper sensor. Thetamper sensor can be a motion detector, a contact sensor, a rotationsensor, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a biofeedback sensor, atemperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or anyother sensor that is able to detect the presence of an object. Thetamper sensor can send a message to processor 205 when the tamper sensordetects an event. The processor 205 will then evaluate the event todetermine if a device being monitored is being tampered with or willrelay the message to the operations center 105 for evaluation. Themonitored device can be a fire hydrant, utility meter, valve, manholecover, pump, or any other device that may be tampered with. Upondetection of a tamper event, at least one of processor 205 and theoperations center 105 can generate an alarm that the device is beingtampered with. The monitoring device may activate a tamper preventiondevice (described below). The operations center 105 will send atransmission to processor 205 telling processor 205 to disregardmessages from the tamper sensor for a predetermined period of time oruntil another message is received from the operations center 105 tellingprocessor 205 to resume monitoring for tamper events. For example, if afire department needs to use a fire hydrant, the operations center 105will send a message to processor 205 to temporarily disregard any tamperevents. Once the fire department is finished using the fire hydrant theoperations center 105 will send a message to processor 205 to startmonitoring for tamper events again.

In some embodiments at least two of sensors 215 are leak detectors. Eachleak detector can include an in-pipe leak detector and/or an exteriorleak detector. In gas applications, the leak detectors are vaporsensors. While in liquid applications, the leak detectors use acousticmonitoring to determine presence and location of a leak. The energygenerated from a leak is transmitted within a pipe through the commodityas well as through the pipe wall. Each leak detector can detect thevibrations made by the leak in the commodity or the pipe wall, joint orservice line. To determine the location of a leak, at least twodetectors must detect the same leak. Based on the velocity of the soundtraveling along the pipe (V), the distance between the two detectors (D)and the delay between the times each detector detects the sound (T), thelocation of the leak (L) can be determined by the following equation:

L=(D−(V×T))/2

When using the above equation, the typical velocity of sound in water isabout 1500 m/s while the typical speed of sound through an iron pipe is5100 m/s. The velocity can be measured empirically. For example, if theleak is exactly midway between the two detectors the sound would reachboth detectors at the same time. Each detector may monitor continuouslyor at predetermined periods of time. The leak detectors can send amessage to processor 205 when the leak detectors detect an event. Theprocessor 205 can then evaluate the event to determine if there is aleak and how severe the leak is or can relay the message to theoperations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of a leak event, atleast one of processor 205 or the operations center 105 can generate analert that there is a leak if the leak is determined to be severe enoughto warrant attention.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a smoke detector. Thesmoke detector can be a photoelectric detector, an ionization detector,or any other device that can detect the presence of smoke. The smokedetector can be located within the monitoring device or exterior to themonitoring device. The smoke detector monitors continuously for smoke.The smoke detector can send a message to processor 205 when the smokedetector detects an event. The processor 205 can then evaluate the eventto determine if there is smoke or can relay the message to theoperations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of smoke, at leastone of processor 205 or the operations center 105 can generate an alertthat there is smoke.

In some embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a temperature sensor.The temperature sensor can be a contact sensor (e.g. thermocouples,thermistors, liquid-in-glass thermometers, resistance temperaturedetectors, filled system thermometers, bimetallic thermometers,semiconductor temperature sensors, and phase change indicators) or anon-contact sensor (e.g. radiation thermometers, thermal imagers, ratiothermometers, optical pyrometers, and fiber optic thermometers). Thetemperature sensor can be located within the monitoring device orexterior to the monitoring device. In one embodiment, the temperaturesensor monitors continuously for the temperature to rise above or dropbelow a predetermined threshold. The temperature sensor can send amessage to processor 205 when the temperature sensor detects atemperature beyond the thresholds. The processor 205 can then evaluatethe event to determine if there the temperature is a problem (such asfreezing pipes or fire) or can relay the message to the operationscenter 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of undesirable temperatures,at least one of processor 205 or the operations center 105 can generatean alert that there is an undesirable temperature condition.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a rust and/orcorrosion sensor. The corrosion sensor can detect rust and/or corrosionusing any method known in the art, including but not limited to liquidpenetration inspection, magnetic particle inspection, radiographicinspection, visual inspection, eddy current inspection, ultrasonicinspection, and thermographic inspection. The corrosion sensor can senda message to processor 205 when the corrosion sensor detects a rust orcorrosion beyond a threshold value. The processor 205 can then evaluatethe rust or corrosion to determine if there is a problem or can relaythe message to the operations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detectionof undesirable rust or corrosion, at least one of processor 205 or theoperations center 105 can generate an alert that there is an undesirableamount of rust or corrosion.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a fluid flow sensor.The fluid flow sensor can be used either in gas systems or liquidsystems. The fluid flow sensor can detect direction of the flow,turbidity of the flow, velocity of the flow, density of the flow,viscosity of the flow, and/or any other aspect of the flow. The fluidflow sensor may be a velocimeter, a laser-based interferometer, a vane,a rotary potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, a device to measure heattransfer caused by the flowing fluid, or any other device know in theart to measure the flow of fluid. The fluid flow sensor can send amessage to processor 205 when the fluid flow sensor detects a flowanomaly. The processor 205 can then evaluate the event to determine ifthe anomaly is a problem or can relay the message to the operationscenter 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of an anomaly, at least one ofprocessor 205 and the operations center 105 can generate an alert thatthere is an anomaly.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a pressure sensor. Inone embodiment, the pressure sensor is positioned within the flow offluid or area in which the pressure is being sensed. For example, thepressure sensor can be positioned at the base of a fire hydrant and inthe water to determine the water pressure within water system, in a pipeto determine gas or water pressure within a gas or water system, or in aroom to determine air pressure within the room. The pressure sensor canbe a piezoresistive strain gauge, a capacitive gauge, an electromagneticgauge, a piezoelectric device, or any other device know in the art tomeasure pressure. The pressure sensor can send a message to processor205 when the pressure sensor detects a pressure anomaly. The processor205 can then evaluate the event to determine if the anomaly is a problemor can relay the message to the operations center 105 for evaluation.Upon detection of an anomaly, at least one of processor 205 or theoperations center 105 can generate an alert that there is an anomaly.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a water qualitymonitor. The water quality monitor can monitor a single aspect of waterflowing through the system 100 or multiple aspects of the water. Forexample, the water quality monitor can monitor one or more of thewater's bacteria levels, pharmaceutical levels, alkalinity, chlorineand/or chloramine levels, hardness, pH levels, peroxide content, ironlevels, nitrate levels, nitrite levels, arsenic levels, pollutionlevels, oxygen levels, biomass levels, and/or any of the othercontaminants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Inembodiments where there are multiple monitoring devices, all the devicescan monitor the same aspects, each device can monitor a differentaspect, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the water qualitymonitors test the water continuously, however, in alternativeembodiments, the water quality monitors test the water at predeterminedtime intervals (e.g. once a hour, once a day, once a week, etc.). Eachwater quality monitor relays data to processor 205. Processor 205 canstore the data on data storage unit 230 or transmit the data to theoperations center 105. Either processor 205 or the operations center 105can monitor the data received from the water quality monitors todetermine if there is a change in the levels of the contaminants or ifthe levels of the contaminants rise above a threshold level. Upondetection of unsafe contamination levels, at least one of processor 205or the operations center 105 can generate an alert that there iscontamination in the water system.

In the embodiments where at least two monitoring devices are monitoringthe same aspect of the water, the operations center 105 can determine ifthere is a change in the aspect of the water from the location of onemonitoring device to the location of the other. If there is a change,the operations center 105 can generate an alert that there is a changein the water system and output the approximate location of the change inthe water system.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is an air qualitymonitor. The air quality monitor can monitor a single aspect of the airor multiple aspects of the air. Furthermore, the air quality monitor canmonitor the air within a facility or ambient air. For example, the airquality monitor can monitor one or more of the air's benzene levels,carbon disulfide levels, urethane levels, formaldehyde levels,phosphorus levels, naphthalene levels, parathion levels, quinolinelevels, trifluralin levels, and/or any of the other contaminants whoseacceptable levels have been set by the Environmental Protection Agency.In embodiments where there are multiple monitoring devices, all thedevices can monitor the same aspects or each device can monitor adifferent aspect, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the airquality monitors test the air continuously, however, in preferredembodiments, the air quality monitors test the air at predetermined timeintervals (e.g. once a hour, once a day, once a week, etc.). Each airquality monitor relays data to processor 205. Processor 205 can storethe data on data storage unit 230 or transmit the data to the operationscenter 105. Either processor 205 or the operations center 105 canmonitor the data received from the air quality monitors to determine ifthere is a change in the levels of the contaminants or if the levels ofthe contaminants rise above a threshold level. Upon detection of unsafecontamination levels, at least one of processor 205 or the operationscenter 105 can generate an alert that there is contamination in the air.

In the embodiments where at least two monitoring devices are monitoringthe same aspect of the air, the operations center 105 can determine ifthere is a change in the aspect of the air from the location of onemonitoring device to the location of the other. If there is a change,the operations center 105 can generate an alert that there is a changein the air and output the approximate location of the change in theaspect of the air. Furthermore, in embodiments where there is a timestamp associated with each reading, the operations center 105 candetermine the approximate direction and speed at which the contaminantis moving.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a radiation detector.The radiation detector can distinguish between natural sources ofradiation and artificial sources of radiation or can distinguish betweennormal levels of radiation and abnormal levels of radiation. Theradiation detector detects ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiationconsists of subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves that areenergetic enough to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, ionizingthem. Examples of ionizing particles are energetic alpha particles, betaparticles, and neutrons. The ability of an electromagnetic wave(photons) to ionize an atom or molecule depends on its frequency.Radiation on the short-wavelength end of the electromagneticspectrum—high frequency ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays—is ionizing.The radiation detector is one of a dosimeter, a Geiger counters, or ascintillation counters. Dosimeters measure an absolute dose receivedover a period of time. Ion-chamber dosimeters resemble pens, and can beclipped to one's clothing. Film-badge dosimeters enclose a piece ofphotographic film, which will become exposed as radiation passes throughit. Ion-chamber dosimeters must be periodically recharged, and theresult logged. Film-badge dosimeters must be developed as photographicemulsion so the exposures can be counted and logged; once developed,they are discarded. Another type of dosimeter is the TLD(Thermoluminescent Dosimeter). These dosimeters contain crystals thatemit visible light when heated, in direct proportion to their totalradiation exposure. Like ion-chamber dosimeters, TLDs can be re-usedafter they have been ‘read’. Geiger counters and scintillation countersmeasure the dose rate of ionizing radiation directly. Preferably, theradiation detector is a solid-state device.

Upon detecting radiation, the radiation detector can relay the detectionto processor 205. Processor 205 can save the detection on data storageunit 230 or transmit a message regarding the detection to the operationscenter 105. Processor 205 or the operations center 105 can evaluate thedetection and act in accordance with the purpose of the radiationdetector. For example, if the radiation detector detects radiation overa threshold level, processor 205 or the operations center 105 cangenerate an alert that there are unsafe radiation levels.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a motion detector.The motion detector can be a radar-based motion detector, a photo-sensormotion detector, a passive infrared motion detector, a magnetic motiondetector, a pressure sensitive motion detector, or any other devicecapable of detecting the motion of objects. The motion detector can beused, for example, to count the number of cars passing through anintersection to control a traffic light, for tamper prevention asdescribed above, for security purposes, and/or to control street lights.The motion detector can be placed within the monitoring device orexterior to the monitoring device. Upon detecting motion, the motiondetector can relay the detection to processor 205. Processor 205 cansave the detection on data storage unit 230 or transmit a messageregarding the detection to the operations center 105. Processor 205 orthe operations center 105 can evaluate the detection and act inaccordance with the purpose of the motion detector. For example, if themotion detector detects a predetermined number of vehicles have passedthe monitoring device, processor 205 or the operations center 105 cancause a traffic light to switch from green to red. As a second example,if the motion detector detects a motion after a predetermined time, e.g.after sunset, processor 205 or the operations center 105 can cause thestreet lights near the monitoring device to illuminate for apredetermined period of time.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a tiltmeter. Thetiltmeter can be a pendulum, a water tube, a bubble-level meter, and/ora MEMS electronic meter. The tiltmeter can be located on devices withinthe system, such as, but not limited to, pipes, fire hydrants, meters,valves, utility poles, manhole covers, and light posts. The tiltmetercan send a message to processor 205 when the sensor detects a tiltbeyond a threshold value. The processor 205 can then evaluate the tiltto determine if there is a problem or can relay the message to theoperations center 105 for evaluation. Upon detection of undesirabletilt, at least one of processor 205 or the operations center 105 cangenerate an alert that there is an undesirable tilt. For example, if autility pole is struck by a car, the tiltmeter will indicate that theutility pole is tilting at an undesirable level and the operationscenter 105 can alert the municipality to send out a repair crew toassess the situation and repair the utility pole.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a proximity sensor.The proximity sensor can use electromagnetic technology, electrostatictechnology, infrared technology, or a touch switch. The proximity sensorcan detect if devices are properly closed or if devices are improperlytouching. The proximity sensor can send a message to processor 205 whenthe proximity sensor detects proximity beyond a threshold value. Theprocessor 205 can then evaluate the proximity to determine if there is aproblem or can relay the message to the operations center 105 forevaluation. Upon detection of undesirable proximity, at least one ofprocessor 205 or the operations center 105 can generate an alert thatthere is an undesirable proximity. For example, if a valve is improperlyclosed, the proximity sensor will indicate that the valve is not closedand processor 205 can alert the municipality to take proper actions toclose the valve.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a visual or audiodevice. The device can be an infrared camera, a video camera, a stillcamera, a digital camera, a film camera, a mobile vision device, amicrophone, a vibration detector, combinations thereof, or any otherdevice capable of acquiring an image or sound. In one embodiment, thedevice is a digital video camera that takes video images continuously.In another embodiment, the device is a digital still camera that takesstill images at regular intervals or upon command from processor 205. Inalternative embodiments, the device can be a traffic camera and take apicture when instructed to by processor 205, for example upondetermination that a vehicle is running a red light. In otherembodiments, the device is used to perform visual inspections of thesystem infrastructure. For example, the field of view of the device caninclude a device within the system that is apt to corrode and the cameracan provide an easy method to visually inspect any degradation of thedevice. The device can send image data to processor 205 where the datais stored on data storage unit 230 or is transmitted to the operationscenter 105. In various embodiments, image or sound data is streamedcontinuously from the device to processor 205 and from processor 205 tothe operations center 105. The data stream can either be live ordelayed. The device can be located on the monitoring device, near themonitoring device, or within the monitoring device with a portion of thedevice extending outside the monitoring device or with a hole in themonitoring device through which the device can obtain images or sounds.In some embodiments, the device is positioned on an actuator. Theactuator can move to reposition the field of view of the device. Theactuator can move upon demand from processor 205 or can moveautonomously. In the embodiments where the actuator moves autonomously,the movement can be continuous or sporadic.

In various embodiments, at least one sensor 215 is a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) receiver. In one embodiment, the GPS receiver is located ondevices within the system 100, such as, but not limited to, pipes, firehydrants, meters, valves, utility poles, manhole covers, and lightposts. The GPS receiver can send a message to processor 205 indicatingGPS location. The processor 205 can then relay the message to theoperations center 105 for evaluation, conformation, and documenting.Upon detection of unexpected GPS location, at least one of processor 205or the operations center 105 can generate an alert that the GPS receiverhas moved, possibly indicating that the device has been dislodged,tampered with, or stolen. Additionally, the GPS location can be used,for example, by emergency responders to locate fire hydrants, or repaircrews to determine the location of a buried device. In such embodiments,the operations center 105 can disseminate information to the emergencyresponders or repair crews to easily locate the device. Thedissemination can occur by any method, including but not limited to,verbally, over a telecommunications network (e.g. to a smart phone orportable computer), or over a shortwave radio. In embodiments where themonitoring device is moving with the flow of fluid, the sensor canprovide updated locations of the monitoring device to track, forexample, the flow or contamination levels within the flow.

Other possible sensors 215 connected to monitoring device unit 200 caninclude, but are not limited to, flow rate meters, backflow meters,system status monitors, and power level monitors.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a control device 300. Control device 300includes a processor 305. Processor 305 is coupled to at least oneoutput port 310 for controlling an output device 340. Processor 305 isalso coupled to a transceiver 320 for sending and receiving signals.Processor 305 is communicatively coupled to output port 310. Output port310 is connected to at least one output device 340. Each output device340 can have the same purpose or each output device 340 can have adifferent purpose, or combinations thereof. Output devices 340 can belocated within control device 300 or external to control device 300, asshown. Furthermore, output devices 340 can be attached to control device300 or can be remote from control device 300. Output devices 340communicate with output port 310 through wired or wireless communicationchannels. In various embodiments, output devices 340 are capable ofbidirectional communication. In various embodiments, control device 300is an integral part of a monitoring device. In such embodiments, thecontrol device 300 and the monitoring device can share the sameprocessor and/or transceiver.

In various embodiments, processor 305 is coupled to a data storage unit330 that may be a database in some embodiments. Data storage unit 330may store instructions for processor 305 of how to control outputdevices 340. In various embodiments, processor 305 is coupled to a powersource 335. Power source 335 can be any device capable of poweringprocessor 305 and any devices attached to processor 305. For example,power source 335 can be a battery, solar panel array, wind turbine,water turbine, electrical lines, or combinations thereof. In variousembodiments, there is also a backup power source, such as a battery.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is an actuatorcontrol device. The actuator control device can control any type ofactuator, including but not limited to, a tamper prevention device, alocking device, a camera motion device, a fire hydrant nut openingdevice, or a valve. The actuator control device can control the actuatorautonomously or upon demand from processor 305. For example, uponreceiving a signal that a particular event has been sensed, processor305 may send a command to the actuator control device to act in aparticular manner. Likewise, in some embodiments the control signal maycome from the operations center 105. The actuator can be mechanical,electrical, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is an alarm. Thealarm can be a visual alarm, an audible alarm, a tactile (i.e.vibration) alarm, or a combination thereof. The alarm can be locatedwithin the monitoring device, exterior to the monitoring device, at theoperations center 105, remote from the system, or any other locationsufficient to alert. Furthermore, there can be more than one alarm atdifferent locations. For example, in the embodiments where there is asmoke detector, there can be an audible alarm located within the firedetector to alert people around the monitoring device of a potentialfire, there can be an audible alarm at the fire station to alert thefire department of the potential fire, and there can be a visual alarmat the gas utility company to indicate that the flow gas in the vicinityof the potential fire should be shut off. In various embodiments thealarm is controlled by the processor 305, while in other embodiments thealarm is controlled by the operations center 105. In variousembodiments, the alarm has an on/off switch controllable locally.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is a tamperprevention device. The tamper prevention device can be a mechanicallock, an alarm, a light, an electrical shock generator, a retainingdevice, an electrical lock, or any other device capable of preventingtampering. The tamper prevention device may merely deter tampering ormay incapacitate a person who is trying to tamper with the device,depending on the level of security. In some embodiments the tamperprevention device is controlled by the processor 305, while in otherembodiments the tamper prevention device is controlled by the operationscenter 105.

In various embodiments, at least one output device 340 is aRadio-Frequency Identification (RFID) device. The RFID device canbroadcast information about the device to which it is attached. Forexample, the RFID device may broadcast manufacturer information,location information, last service date, device information (e.g. make,model, and/or year), current status (e.g. a valve can broadcast if it isopen or closed), etc. In some embodiments the RFID device is updateableby the processor 305 or by the operations center 105. The RFID devicecan be either an active (e.g. battery powered) or passive (e.g. requirean external source to provoke signal transmission) device.

EXAMPLES

A system of the disclosure is monitoring a water distributioninfrastructure. The system is used to automatically control the waterpressure within the system. Such a system includes a number of watermeters disbursed throughout the infrastructure relaying real time useinformation to a control center. Upon a determination by the operationscenter that there is low usage of the system (e.g. at night) based oninformation received by a predetermined number of the water meters, theoperations center causes pumps supplying pressure within the system toreduce or cease pumping. Thereby cutting down on the electricity used bythe pumps while maintaining enough pressure throughout theinfrastructure to satisfy any water needs. The determination to reduceor cease pumping can be also based on information received from pressuresensors disbursed throughout the infrastructure. For example, if thepressure within the infrastructure exceeds a threshold value, theoperations center causes the pumps to reduce or cease pumping.

In another example, the system is used to assist in maintaining theinfrastructure. Water pipes and valves are often buried undergroundmaking it difficult to locate, assess the status of the devices, andrepair them if necessary. Using an example of the above describedsystem, each device is equipped with a monitoring the device. Themonitoring device, for example, may monitor for corrosion using acorrosion monitor, geographical location using a GPS receiver, and leaksusing a leak detector. Upon detection of corrosion and/or a leak, themonitoring device sends a message to the operations center where theinformation is analyzed. The operations center is able to make adetermination if the corrosion and/or leak is severe enough to warrantfixing, if the corrosion and/or leak should be watched to determine ifit worsens, or if the corrosion and/or leak can be ignored. Theoperations center will also alert a person of the situation for furtherassessment.

If it is determined that the corrosion and/or leak should be fixed, theoperations center disseminates information to a repair crew andredirects water flow away from the device. Such information can includelocation of the device, based on data received the GPS receiver, problemassociated with the device, device information (e.g. make, model, and/oryear), etc. The monitoring device can also be equipped with a RFIDtransmitter, which transmits at least some of the above information. Therepair crew receives the information on a smart phone, a portablecomputer, or other device capable of receiving such information. Uponcompletion of the repair, the operations center updates the system toindicate a new last repaired date for the device.

In another Example, the system is monitored by several entities within amunicipality at the same time. For example, a fire department, a gasutility, a water utility, an electric utility, and traffic controlcenter all monitor the system concurrently. Upon detection of smoke by amonitoring device, the control center alerts each entity of a potentialfire. The location of the potential fire is determined bycross-referencing the ID number of the monitoring device with a lookuptable or based on information received from a GPS receiver. The firedepartment uses the location information to send out emergency responsepersonnel to the vicinity of the potential fire. The gas utility usesthe location information to divert or shut off gas flow to the vicinityof the potential fire. The water utility uses the location informationto divert water to or increase water pressure in the vicinity of thepotential fire as well as determines if any fire hydrants in thevicinity of the potential fire are potentially damaged (e.g. are tiltedat an unusual angle, are receiving no or little water pressure, or havebeen tampered with) based on information received from monitoringdevices attached to the fire hydrants. The location of the fire hydrantsis determined by cross-referencing the ID number of the monitoringdevice with a lookup table or based on information received from a GPSreceiver. The water utility automatically alerts the fire department asto which fire hydrants to use. The water utility also disables anytamper prevention devices associated with the fire hydrants. Theelectric utility receives a signal that additional pressure may beneeded within the water system and provides an increased electrical loadto the water pumps. Additionally, the traffic control center adjuststraffic lights en route from the fire station to the vicinity of thepotential fire to assist the fire trucks in arriving quickly and safely.

In another example, the system is used to monitor contamination of thefluid flowing through the system. The system includes pressure sensors,leak detectors and contamination detectors. Leaks within the system cancause a pressure drop throughout the system which can lead tocontaminants being drawn into the system. For example, if a pipe isunder water and the pressure inside the pipe drops below the pressureoutside the pipe, the exterior water will flow into the pipe. Therefore,the system has several monitoring devices to check for such potential oractual contamination. The pressure sensors will indicate if the pressurewithin the system drops below a threshold level at which contaminantscan be drawn into the system. The leak detectors will indicate thatthere is a leak through which contaminants can enter the system. Whilethe contamination detectors will indicate if there is contaminationwithin the system, indicating a possible breach of the infrastructure ofthe system.

Other embodiments and uses of the disclosed systems, methods, anddevices will be apparent to those skilled in the art from considerationof the specification and practice disclosed herein. All references citedherein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patentapplications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference.It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredexemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the disclosureindicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of”includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” Allexamples illustrate possible embodiments but should not be viewed aslimiting the scope of the disclosure.

1. An infrastructure monitoring assembly comprising: a nozzle capdefining an internal cavity; an antenna positioned at least partiallyexternal to the internal cavity; and the antenna covered with anon-metallic material.
 2. The infrastructure monitoring assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the antenna is enclosed between the non-metallicmaterial and the nozzle cap.
 3. The infrastructure monitoring assemblyof claim 1, further comprising an enclosure, the enclosure furtherdefining the internal cavity.
 4. The infrastructure monitoring assemblyof claim 3, further comprising a cover coupled to the enclosure, thecover further defining the internal cavity, the enclosure and the coverforming a water tight seal.
 5. The infrastructure monitoring assembly ofclaim 3, further comprising a monitoring device positioned within theenclosure.
 6. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 5, whereinthe monitoring device is connected in electrical communication with theantenna.
 7. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 1, wherein:the nozzle cap defines a bore extending through the nozzle cap to theinternal cavity; the infrastructure monitoring assembly furthercomprises a wire connected to the antenna; and the wire extends throughthe bore.
 8. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 1, whereinthe nozzle cap comprises the non-metallic material.
 9. Theinfrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 1, wherein the antennadefines a curved shape.
 10. The infrastructure monitoring assembly ofclaim 1, wherein a curved portion of the antenna is positioned externalto the internal cavity.
 11. The infrastructure monitoring assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the nozzle cap defines a threaded bore configured tomount on a nozzle of a fire hydrant.
 12. The infrastructure monitoringassembly of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle cap defines a threaded portionconfigured to mount on a nozzle of a fire hydrant; and the threadedportion comprises a metallic material.
 13. An infrastructure monitoringassembly comprising: a nozzle cap defining a first end and a second end,the first end defining a threaded bore configured to mount on a nozzleof a fire hydrant; a cover coupled to the nozzle cap opposite from thefirst end; an enclosure positioned at least partially between the coverand the first end, the enclosure at least partially defining a cavity; amonitoring device positioned within the cavity; and an antennapositioned between the cover and the first end of the nozzle cap, theantenna connected in electrical communication with the monitoringdevice, the antenna covered by a non-metallic material.
 14. Theinfrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 13, wherein the enclosuredefines a bore extending to the cavity, and wherein the antenna iselectrically connected to the monitoring device through the bore. 15.The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 14, wherein a wireconnects the antenna to the monitoring device, and wherein the wireextends through the bore.
 16. The infrastructure monitoring assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the antenna is positioned at least partially externalto the cavity.
 17. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 13,wherein the antenna defines a curved portion, and wherein the curvedportion is positioned external to the cavity.
 18. The infrastructuremonitoring assembly of claim 13, wherein the nozzle cap comprises ametallic material.
 19. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim13, wherein a portion of the antenna is positioned between the cover andthe second end of the nozzle cap.
 20. The infrastructure monitoringassembly of claim 19, wherein the nozzle cap comprises a metallicmaterial.
 21. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 19,wherein at least a portion of the cavity is positioned between the firstend and the second end.
 22. An infrastructure monitoring assemblycomprising: a nozzle cap defining a first nozzle cap end and a secondnozzle cap end, the first nozzle cap end defining a threaded boreconfigured to mount on a nozzle of a fire hydrant, the second nozzle capend defining an nut; an enclosure defining a first enclosure end and asecond enclosure end, the first enclosure end coupled to the nozzle capbetween the first nozzle cap end and the second nozzle cap end, theenclosure defining a cavity and a bore extending to the cavity; amonitoring device positioned within the cavity; and an antennapositioned at least partially external to the cavity, the antennaconnected in electrical communication with the monitoring device throughthe bore, the antenna covered by a non-metallic material.
 23. Theinfrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 22, wherein a portion of theantenna defines a curved shape, and wherein the portion is positionedexternal to the cavity.
 24. The infrastructure monitoring assembly ofclaim 22, wherein the antenna is connected to the monitoring device by awire extending through the bore.
 25. The infrastructure monitoringassembly of claim 22, wherein the cavity is at least partiallypositioned between the first nozzle cap end and the second nozzle capend.
 26. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 22, wherein thebore is positioned between the first nozzle cap end and the secondnozzle cap end.
 27. The infrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 22,wherein the nozzle cap comprises a metallic material.
 28. Theinfrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 22, wherein the monitoringdevice comprises a sensor configured to detect vibrations.
 29. Theinfrastructure monitoring assembly of claim 22, wherein the monitoringdevice comprises a power source.
 30. The infrastructure monitoringassembly of claim 22, wherein the monitoring device comprises aprocessor.